Music Department Revamps Music Education Degree

The Ohio Christian University Music Department is pleased to announce that campus students can major in a newly revamped Bachelor of Science in Music Education. The new program began with the start of the Fall 2020 Semester and is a state-approved program leading to initial licensure with the Ohio Department of Education to teach K-12 Music Education. It has been streamlined to prioritize courses that Music Education majors need to be successful in their careers.

Students in the Music Education Program can choose an Instrumental or Vocal/Choral Concentration and will hone their skills in that area. “Music majors have the opportunity to study with gifted teachers for their band instrument(s) or singing voice,” explains Lead Music Faculty Dr. Brent Nolte. “We are blessed to have Music Faculty with advanced degrees and a wealth of teaching and performing experience.”

The Bachelor of Science in Music Education consists of Music Theory, Music History, Music Performance and Education classes. In addition, students earn many hours of field experience in classrooms to ensure they are very well prepared for their final semester when they will be student teaching.

The Music Department offers significant renewable Performing Arts Scholarships to students studying a music major or participating in Band, Choir, Drama or Worship Teams. Through these groups, students can be involved in the Festival of Carols Christmas Concert, Choir Tour, theater productions, leading worship, and additional band activities including Pep Band and Jazz Band.

Rebecca Oyer graduated in 2018 with a double major in Music Education and Worship Leadership. She is now the Worship and Emerging Generations Director at Winchester Church of Christ in Christian Union in Winchester, OH. Rebecca said, "My time with the OCU professors and staff fostered relationships that have provided amazing mentors and friends. It's amazing to be able to call them for wisdom and guidance even now.”

Andrew Compton graduated in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in Music Education. He works with the U.S. Air Force Band of The Golden West at Travis Air Force Base in California. Andrew said, “I loved my time at OCU because it was a small university with faculty that genuinely cared about their students in an environment centered around Christ. The music faculty were very knowledgeable and passionate about their subject matters and I learned much of what I know about music theory, performance, and teaching from them.”

Learn more about the Music Education degree, fill out the Performing Arts Interest Profile to connect with the Music Faculty, or apply online.